In today's fast-paced world, many men base their value on how much they can achieve or obtain, an obsession with success that often pushes their family and friends away. The resulting insurmountable pressure can have a debilitating effect on some. However, the creators of a new Christian motivational program aim to put an end to misconceptions about masculinity.
BILL DONAGHY
RISE Co-creator
“It can be a real temptation for men to shrink back out of fear, to not know who they are, to be confused, to be ashamed of being men. Now more than ever, our sisters – women – are looking for men to really become who they were born to be.”
“It starts by looking to the Inventor of man. It starts by taking your eyes off yourself and putting them on the One who loves you simply because you're His.”
The RISE challenge was created by evangelization experts Chris Stefanick and Bill Donaghy with the goal of reengaging Catholic men everywhere via multimedia.
CHRIS COPE
RISE Director
“The idea was to create this 30-day, extremely practical challenge that helps orient men into what is their true identity and then how do they engage the world. What we're seeing is a new approach to men's ministry, a new approach to speaking to the heart of men, no matter where they are or have been, just drawing them to something higher.”
Citing the small percentage of Catholic men who attend Bible study groups or retreats at parishes, RISE organizers sought to reach a wider sample where it's most accessible: online.
In addition to viewing inspirational videos and challenges tailored to men's life situations, participants are also able to find “brothers,” peers with whom to walk through the program in support and prayer.
BILL DONAGHY
RISE Co-creator
“The online community that's been building with RISE is unprecedented. We've seen young men in their 20s, senior citizens up in their 70s, who are binding themselves together by sharing their deepest struggles, by praying for one another and opening the window on their own stories.”
RISE organizers hope more stories will be shared and more lives changed when the program begins being featured at U.S. parishes in September.
